MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Governor Kay Ivey on Friday announced she has elevated Chris Blankenship and Hal Taylor from their roles as acting cabinet agency heads to permanent roles. Blankenship is now the permanent Commissioner of Conservation and Natural Resources, and Taylor is the permanent Secretary of the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency.

“Since I appointed Chris Blankenship as Acting Conservation Commissioner and Hal Taylor as Acting ALEA Secretary, both men have proven beyond any doubt their abilities to effectively lead their respective agencies,” Governor Ivey said. “I am proud to appoint both men to serve permanently in their particular roles.”

Chris Blankenship Takes Oath of Office

“From effectively working to extend the Red Snapper season, to protecting Alabama’s natural resources, Chris Blankenship has made it clear he can lead the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources long-term,” Ivey continued. “I am proud to have Christ as part of my team.”

Blankenship was appointed as Acting Conservation Commissioner on June 1, 2017. He most recently served as the Deputy Commissioner and as Director of DCNR Marine Resources Division from 2011 to 2017. He has worked at the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources since 1994 when he was hired as a Conservation Enforcement Officer. Governor Ivey announced Commissioner Blankenship’s permanent appointment at the Governor’s Conservation Achievement awards in Montgomery on Friday, August 4, 2017.

Hal Taylor Takes Oath of Office

“Alabama’s law enforcement efforts must be handled with precision and integrity; Hal Taylor’s leadership ensures that happens. Hal is ably leading the men and women who serve our state as part of the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, and I am thankful for his continued efforts,” Ivey commented.

Taylor was appointed as Acting Secretary of ALEA on April 12, 2017. He most recently served as the Deputy Chief of Staff for the State Bureau of Investigations and ALEA Chief of Staff beginning in 2014. Prior to that, Taylor worked for the ABC Board going back to 1992. There he held multiple positions, including executive security and Assistant Director of the Enforcement Division.

Both Blankenship and Taylor were officially sworn in on Friday morning in a private ceremony at the State Capitol.